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Congressional Visits Guide

Communicating with your members of Congress is an important way to make your voice heard. Whether your meeting takes place in your hometown or in Washington, DC, ASBMB provides a step-by-step guide to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Step 1: Identify your members of Congress

Each person in the U.S. is represented by one representative and two senators. You can find out who represents you on the House and Senate web sites.

Step 2: Schedule a meetingMembers of Congress split their time between their home districts and Washington, DC. They may be available to meet with constituents in either office depending on whether Congress is in session. Contact information for each representative and senator is available on his/her website. You can also email ASBMB Public Affairs staff to help set up a meeting.

Step 3: Do some research, practice and prepare for your meetingBefore you meet, make sure you've done your homework. ASBMB provides a number of resources that will help you be ready for your meeting.

How does your state and district benefit from biomedical research? ASBMB Public Affairs staff can provide a summary document that details the benefits of research to your local community.

Download these helpful materials to help make your points about the benefits of biomedical research for your community.

Review this video showing examples of Congressional visits by a delegation of scientists.

Step 4: The meetingPut your research and preparation into practice and, as the meeting concludes, leave your member of Congress with some information about the importance of research. Contact the ASBMB Public Affairs staff for these leave-behind materials.

Step 5: Follow upWrite a note thanking the member of Congress or their staff member for meeting with you. As you reflect on the visit, let ASBMB know how it went. What did the member and his/her staff tell you? Were you able to effectively communicate your message?

Don't have time to meet? Write or call!If you don't have time to meet with your representative or senator, you can still be an effective advocate for research. You can still contact your member of Congress via email, letter or phone. We have some examples of how these letters or calls might go.

Questions? Just ask.Don't hesistate to contact the Public Affairs office with any questions.